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Your website is the foundation of your digital marketing efforts, making it essential to get the design right. With a professional web design service, you can avoid common mistakes during the design process, helping you steer clear of costly issues and ensuring a smooth, effective user experience.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve put together a list of eleven common website design mistakes.

Read on to learn about the key design flaws to watch out for and how to fix them. And, for ongoing tips and strategies, don’t forget to subscribe to Revenue Weekly!

A person having usability issues in a web design service

Usability Issues

Difficulty in Navigation

One of the most common web design service mistakes companies make is poor navigation. Users want to access information quickly and easily, and if they can’t, they won’t stay on your site for long. The longer they struggle to find what they’re looking for, the more likely they are to leave in frustration and visit a competitor’s site instead.

If your navigation is messy or hard to follow, it can frustrate visitors and drive them away. A disorganized menu may lead to important pages being buried, making it difficult for users to find what they need. This confusion causes people to leave your site, hurting your chances of engaging potential customers and ultimately impacting your conversion rates.

To fix bad navigation, start by organizing your site’s structure logically. Group similar pages together and make sure your most important pages are easy to access. Use clear labels for menu items, and ensure that your navigation is consistent across all pages. Test your navigation on multiple devices to ensure it’s mobile-friendly and works well for all users. By simplifying and streamlining the navigation, you’ll improve user experience, increase engagement, and keep leads on your site longer.

How to fix difficult navigation

If you believe your website suffers from difficult navigation, here are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:

  • Map out your navigation structure: Plan how visitors will move through your site. Ensure that key pages like services, about, and contact information are easily accessible from your main navigation menu. A clear structure helps users quickly find what they need.
  • Make returning to the homepage simple: Visitors should be able to easily navigate back to your home page, whether through your navigation menu or by clicking on your logo. These simple elements make browsing more intuitive and enhance overall user satisfaction.
  • Verify all links are functional: Regularly check to ensure every link on your site works properly and leads to the right destination. Broken links create frustration, increase bounce rates, and can negatively impact SEO, so it’s important to keep them up to date for a smooth experience.

Consider consulting with a professional web design service to ensure your navigation is optimized for a smooth user experience.

Too many elements

Many websites make the mistake of cramming every available space with content, whether it’s too much text or an overload of images. This cluttered design is one of the most frequent issues, causing visitors to quickly leave and return to search results.

When your site is filled with too many elements, it can overwhelm users and make it difficult for them to focus on what truly matters. This often leads to them leaving your site before they have the chance to explore your business or engage with your offerings.

How to fix having too many elements

  • Simplify your design: A clean, minimalistic approach is key to great web design service. Take the time to remove unnecessary elements, leaving only what’s essential for the user experience. Focus on presenting your core message clearly and concisely. Less clutter allows your users to focus on what matters most, making it easier to engage with your business.
  • Streamline your site layout: Organize your website effectively to highlight the most important elements. A cluttered site can easily become overwhelming, so prioritize what truly adds value. Consider how each section and page contributes to your goals, and make sure the layout flows logically for smooth navigation. A well-structured site makes it easier for visitors to find what they need and boosts overall user satisfaction.
  • Incorporate white space: White space creates a cleaner look, making it easier for users to navigate and absorb information. It enhances the browsing experience by giving content room to breathe and preventing overcrowding. By allowing your content to stand out without distractions, you make it easier for your audience to digest key information. Just like Verk’s site, white space can dramatically improve the visual appeal and usability of your site, leading to more engaged visitors and improved conversions.

Walls of text

One of the biggest website design mistakes is adding walls of text to your pages. While users do seek information, long, dense paragraphs can be intimidating and overwhelming, pushing visitors away.

Internet users prefer content that is easy to scan, and when they come across large blocks of text, they are likely to click away. People tend to skim, so if your text is difficult to digest, they won’t stick around.

To keep users engaged, make your content scannable. Use clear headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up the text. This makes it easier for visitors to quickly find the information they’re looking for, encouraging them to stay on your site longer.

How to fix walls of text

  • Use headings: Adding relevant headings throughout your content not only improves the user experience but also helps with SEO by making your site more crawlable. Headings allow users to easily find sections of interest and make your content more organized.
  • Break up your text: Make your text easier to scan by breaking it into smaller chunks. You can achieve this through headings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Keep your paragraphs concise—ideally no more than three sentences—to create more white space and improve readability.
  • Add visual elements: Incorporating images, videos, and infographics is an effective way to provide visual relief from dense text. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also increase user engagement, helping to hold the reader’s attention longer and communicate complex ideas more clearly.

Difficult-to-read fonts

If you’re searching for a poor web design example to avoid, difficult-to-read fonts should be at the top of your list. Choosing the right font for your site is just as crucial as picking your color scheme. If your font is hard to read, visitors won’t be able to engage with your content.

There are four common font mistakes businesses often make that can hurt readability:

  • Font too small or large: If your font size is either too small or too large, your audience will struggle to read the text, which can drive them away. Make sure your font is sized appropriately for readability across all devices.
  • Fonts that are hard to read: Avoid overly decorative fonts that may look appealing but are challenging to read, especially in long paragraphs. Stick to simple, clear fonts that improve legibility and create a smoother user experience.
  • Too many font styles: Limit yourself to just two or three fonts on your site. Using too many fonts makes your site appear chaotic and inconsistent. A small selection of fonts creates a cohesive and polished design that’s easy on the eyes.
  • Clashing colors: The font color matters just as much as the style. Some colors, especially bright or saturated tones, can be hard to read, particularly against a busy or contrasting background. Stick to simple, readable colors like black or dark gray to ensure legibility and prevent eyestrain.

How to fix difficult-to-read fonts

  • Choose an appropriate size: To ensure readability, keep your body text fonts at least 16 pts. Anything smaller will be hard to read on-screen. Your headings can be slightly larger to create a clear visual hierarchy, and your title font should be large enough to grab attention without overwhelming the design.
  • Opt for Sans Serif fonts for body text: For body text, use a web-friendly, Sans Serif font. Sans Serif fonts are more legible across different devices and screen sizes, making them ideal for ensuring your content is easy to read and accessible to all visitors.
Design and aesthetics in a web design service

Design and Aesthetics

Poor color choice

One of the most significant website design mistakes a company can make is mishandling its color palette. Colors aren’t just decorative—they set the tone for your entire site and have a psychological impact on users. Choosing the wrong color combinations or overloading your design with too many hues can immediately make your website feel chaotic and off-putting.

Colors are the first thing visitors will notice when they land on your site, and if they’re used incorrectly, they can create confusion. Using too many colors makes it difficult for users to know where to focus their attention, distracting them from your key messages or calls to action. A simple, cohesive palette ensures that your visitors can quickly process the design and navigate without frustration.

Since colors are strongly tied to brand identity, selecting the right ones is essential for making a good impression. The colors you choose not only influence how users feel but also help reinforce your business values. Consistent, well-thought-out colors will enhance your brand recognition and improve the overall user experience, making visitors more likely to engage and return.

How to fix poor color choice

  • Stick to a limited color palette: The best website color schemes generally consist of only three to four colors. Ideally, this should include one primary color, one or two accent colors, and a neutral color for your text. A simple yet effective palette, like Zeta’s use of purple and pink, creates a visually cohesive design that guides users without overwhelming them.
  • Choose colors that represent your brand: Your color choices should align with your brand identity and help establish recognition. For instance, red, white, and blue are instantly associated with Pepsi, so selecting colors that resonate with your business and values is crucial. The right colors will not only enhance your design but also reinforce the emotions and values tied to your brand.
  • Understand color psychology: It’s essential to dive into the psychology of colors when building your brand’s color palette. Different colors evoke different emotions or responses from people, which can influence how visitors perceive your site and your brand. For example, blue often signifies trust and professionalism, while yellow can evoke optimism and energy. Understanding these emotional triggers can help you choose colors that appeal to your target audience and align with your brand’s goals.

Lackluster call to action (CTA) buttons

Calls-to-action (CTAs) are crucial for driving user engagement and conversions. Whether you want visitors to sign up for your newsletter, follow your social media profiles, or schedule an appointment, having compelling CTAs is key to guiding them toward taking action.

Several common CTA mistakes can hinder your website’s effectiveness:

Not using CTAs at all: A website without CTAs is like a shop without a checkout counter—there’s no clear way to engage with your business. Make sure every page has a clear CTA that guides users toward the next step.

Lack of action-driven language: If your CTAs are too vague, users won’t know what to do next. Use strong, action-oriented words like “Get Started,” “Download Now,” or “Sign Up Today” to make your CTA compelling and clear.

Failing to entice users: If your CTAs are dull or not valuable to users, they won’t be effective. Offer incentives, such as discounts or free resources, to entice users to act.

Choosing the wrong button color: Your CTA button should stand out and grab attention, so choose a color that contrasts with the rest of your page. It should be noticeable without clashing with your overall design.

Not signaling that CTAs are clickable: If users aren’t sure that a CTA is clickable, they might overlook it. Make sure your buttons are designed to be clearly interactive, using appropriate hover effects and visual cues.

Ultimately, your CTAs should make it clear to visitors what your business does and provide them with an easy way to take action. Make the conversion process as seamless and enticing as possible to drive results.

How to fix a lackluster CTA

  • Use enticing CTAs: Enticing CTAs are actionable. They tell your audience exactly what you want them to do. They also provide hints at the benefits your audience can gain by acting on them.
  • Attract attention with your CTAs: Your CTAs need to draw the eye. That means they must stand out from the rest of your content. Similar to your navigation menu items, make your CTAs pop off the page by including contrasting colors and hover animations. Feals is a great example of this, where they use a dark pink button to stand out from their light pink design.
  • Test your CTAs: Plan out and test your CTAs to see what works best for your audience. Make multiple versions of your CTAs and show them to different groups pulled from your audience. Find what they find actionable and engaging.

Outdated web design and content

One common mistake businesses make is allowing their website design and content to become outdated.

An old design can give your site a less trustworthy appearance and signal to users that you’re not prioritizing your online presence. When your design feels outdated, visitors may assume your content is equally behind the times.

Outdated content has a similar effect, causing your website’s credibility to drop. Visitors may question the reliability of the information presented, leading them to seek more current sources.

When people see outdated content, they’re more likely to leave your site quickly and look for fresher, more relevant information elsewhere. Keeping your site updated with modern design and relevant content is key to maintaining user trust and engagement.

How to fix an outdated website

  • Refresh your design: Take time to explore the latest design trends to ensure your site feels modern and user-friendly. Looking at leading brands can provide inspiration and give you insight into what’s working in the industry. A fresh, contemporary design can boost user confidence and engagement.
  • Revamp outdated content: Periodically review your content to ensure it aligns with the most current information and trends in your field. Updating articles, blog posts, and product details keeps your site relevant and reliable. Be transparent about updates by noting when changes have been made; this builds trust with your audience.
  • Incorporate evergreen content: Evergreen content stays relevant over time and is a great long-term strategy for attracting leads. Unlike content that relies on trends, evergreen topics address fundamental questions that your audience consistently searches for. These pieces can drive continuous traffic with less frequent updates and can position you as a trusted resource.
Performance and security in a web design service

Performance and Security

Lack of responsive design

Mobile-responsive web design service is essential for ensuring a seamless online experience. With over 50% of internet traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s crucial for businesses to optimize their websites for mobile users.

If your site isn’t mobile-responsive, visitors using tablets or smartphones will struggle with a poor browsing experience. They’ll be forced to view the desktop version of your site, making it harder to read content and navigate efficiently, which could drive them away. By implementing a responsive design, you ensure that your site adapts to any screen size, improving accessibility and user engagement.

How to fix a lack of responsive design

  • Test for responsiveness: Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to analyze whether your website is mobile-friendly. This test will help identify any areas of your site that need improvement to enhance mobile usability.
  • Implement responsive design: If you’re using WordPress, you can opt for a responsive theme that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes. If not, consider following best practices for responsive design, or work with a web design service agency like ECLIPSE to ensure your site is fully optimized.
  • Incorporate responsive elements: Make sure all elements, such as images, banners, buttons, and links, scale appropriately for mobile devices. It’s important for users to interact with these elements easily on smaller screens. For example, MasterClass effectively adapts its design and buttons to provide an optimal experience for mobile users.

Slow load time

A slow-loading website is one of the most damaging design mistakes a business can make. Visitors are impatient and expect fast-loading pages; if your site takes too long to load, they’ll quickly move on to your competitors.

Users typically expect a webpage to load within two seconds. If your website exceeds this, it’s crucial to optimize your site’s performance. Speeding up your load times can drastically improve user retention and reduce bounce rates, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

How to fix slow load time

  • Boost Page Speed with Essential Tools and Services
    Start by analyzing your website’s performance using tools like Google PageSpeed. These tools offer actionable insights to enhance your site’s load speed. Take advantage of page speed optimization services to achieve faster loading times and improve user experience. Optimized speed also plays a critical role in web design, SEO, and the success of Google Ads campaigns.
  • Compress Large Elements for Faster Load Times
    Heavy file sizes, such as images, GIFs, and videos, often cause slow loading speeds. Use compression tools like Kraken.io to resize and optimize these elements effectively. Even sites with rich visual content, like Discord, ensure smooth performance by compressing their media. Properly compressed files contribute to better SEO rankings and stronger ad performance on Google.

Unsecure site

In today’s digital age, securing personal information on your website is non-negotiable. An unsecure site drives visitors away, leading to higher bounce rates and poor SEO performance. A secure website reassures users, encouraging them to browse and engage confidently. In web design and SEO, security directly impacts user experience and search rankings.


For ecommerce platforms, a secure site is critical to earning customers’ trust. Shoppers are hesitant to share credit card details on an unsecure website, which could hurt sales. Ensuring top-notch security not only safeguards sensitive data but also improves the success of Google Ads campaigns by boosting credibility.


Whether you’re asking for names, emails, or other details, website security is essential to gain users’ trust. A secure site strengthens your web design’s reliability and ensures better SEO performance. Security builds confidence and encourages users to engage with your site.

How to fix an unsecure site

  • Secure Your Site with an SSL Certificate
    The first step to securing your website is obtaining a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate. This encryption protects your site’s data and replaces HTTP with HTTPS, signaling trust to your audience and search engines. A secured website enhances user experience and is a vital component of effective web design, SEO strategies, and Google Ads success.
  • Take Additional Steps to Strengthen Security
    Beyond SSL, implement robust security measures to protect your website and its users. Regular updates, firewalls, and secure hosting all contribute to a safe browsing environment. A well-secured site not only builds trust but also positively impacts your search rankings and ad performance.

Incomplete website design

An incomplete web design instantly makes your site appear unreliable, driving visitors away. Poorly wrapped text, broken links, and disorganized layouts create a negative user experience. A polished, cohesive design is essential for building trust and ensuring visitors stay on your page. Strong web design supports SEO efforts and enhances the effectiveness of Google Ads campaigns.


Disorganized layouts and faulty elements can make your website look outdated or unprofessional. Ensure text aligns properly with images, links function seamlessly, and the site layout remains intuitive. A well-structured design helps keep users engaged, reduces bounce rates, and improves search rankings.

How to fix an incomplete website design

  • Ensure Navigation Links Work Properly
    Regularly verify that all navigation links direct users to the correct pages. Fix broken links immediately to avoid frustrating visitors and negatively impacting SEO. Smooth navigation is a key aspect of web design and ensures users stay engaged on your site, boosting the success of Google Ads.
  • Maintain Consistent Design Across Pages
    Consistency in your website’s design is crucial for a cohesive and professional appearance. Uniform layouts, colors, and fonts make your site feel complete and trustworthy. A consistent design also enhances user experience, positively influencing SEO rankings and ad performance.
  • Use White Space as a Strategic Design Element
    White space is more than empty room; it’s a critical element of web design service that adds balance and clarity. Thoughtfully placed white space helps guide users’ focus and creates a clean, professional look. A well-designed layout with purposeful white space improves readability and user engagement.
  • Double-Check Elements for Proper Functionality
    Before publishing, test your website to ensure every element appears as intended. Verify that images load correctly, text aligns properly, and all features function seamlessly. Regularly reviewing your site helps maintain its polished appearance, strengthens SEO, and keeps users engaged.

Looking for a Website Designer?

Is Your Website Holding You Back?
Let’s face it—bad website design is bad for business and can cost you money and opportunities online. If your site feels outdated or ineffective, it’s time for a website makeover.

ECLIPSE Has the Expertise to Transform Your Website
Whether you need a fresh design or an update to your current site, ECLIPSE has the tools and talent to help. Our award-winning web design service portfolio showcases how we’ve helped clients create stunning, functional websites they love.

Ready for a Revamp? Contact ECLIPSE Today!
Talk to a web design service specialist today and see how ECLIPSE can breathe new life into your website. A better design means better business results!

Conclusion

Avoiding common web design mistakes is essential for a functional and engaging website. Clear navigation, minimal design, and mobile responsiveness are key factors in enhancing user experience and reducing bounce rates. Simplifying content, using readable fonts, and ensuring security help retain visitors and boost SEO performance. Outdated design and content can hurt credibility and user trust, so regular updates are necessary to maintain a fresh, relevant online presence. 

A well-designed website not only improves engagement but also positively impacts your business’s overall success. If your current site struggles with these issues, partnering with a professional web design service agency like ECLIPSE can bring the expertise and creativity needed to transform it. Investing in a user-friendly, modern site is an investment in your business’s growth, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors and increased conversions.

FAQs

How do I choose the right CMS platform for my website? 

A content management system (CMS) is crucial for managing your website’s design and content. Picking the right CMS ensures scalability, ease of use, and flexibility.

Why is website accessibility important for my business? 

Making your website accessible to users with disabilities is not only legally required but also expands your customer base by reaching a wider audience.

How often should I update my website’s design and content? 

Regular updates are essential to keep your website fresh, relevant, and competitive. Schedule design reviews and content updates every 6–12 months.

What role do images and graphics play in web design? 

High-quality visuals engage visitors and help communicate your message. Poorly optimized or irrelevant images can slow down your site and distract from your key messages.

How can I measure the success of my website’s design? 

Use metrics like bounce rate, conversion rate, and user engagement to evaluate your design’s effectiveness. Regularly monitor these KPIs to ensure your site meets its goals.

Users Also Say

Gr***sM**an**e

content comes before design – what is the page meant to convey? Then figure how to make it pretty more than half your users are using a phone and fingers to navigate. The popularity of CSS frameworks is because people don’t like reinventing layouts or UI for each instance, and users follow consistent patterns. A design system is how you say “this is how headings will always look, this is how forms will always function”, and then you deviate with rare exceptions

gn***t

Bottom line, having a signed contract/brief, with a very very clear scope of responsibilities/tasks/milestones/deliverables for both parties involved. You don’t want to be months into a project and have problems because no one had clear guidelines.